Matt Forte practices, thinks he can play Monday night

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 26, 2012, 5:22 PM EDT

AP

Bears running back Matt Forte is healing faster than expected.

Forte was back on the practice field in Chicago today, and he told reporters afterward that he was pleased that swelling in his ankle hasn’t been a problem and he expects to play on Monday night against the Cowboys.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Forte still has a long way to go, but Smith said he’s optimistic about Forte’s recovery.

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who has been taking it easy in practice to protect his surgically repaired knee, participated in drills at the start of practice. Defensive end Julius Peppers sat out with a foot injury. Right tackle Gabe Carimi, who calls himself The Bear Jew, took the day off for Yom Kippur.

Packers fans are scared now cause they know when Chicago beat Dallas Monday night they will be 2 games behind. oops it could be 3 cause Brees is looking for a win on sunday. Im glad Greenbay got CHEATED….. HA ha